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L.A. Auto Show: Porsche's Cayman R is for where the sun don't shine

November 17, 2010 | 11:25
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This may be a bit of a shock to people living outside the vitamin-D drenched climate of Southern California, but there are places around the country that aren't as climatologically fortunate. They experience sub-50 degree temperatures and precipitation that literally falls from the sky.

Such dastardly conditions precluded large swaths of the U.S. from enjoying all that is wonderful about Porsche's Boxster Spyder, revealed in L.A. one year ago.

On Wednesday, Porsche acknowledged denizens of less hospitable climes with their Cayman R.

Following the same lighter/more powerful philosophy that created the Boxster Spyder from the common Boxster, the Cayman R sheds 121 pounds from the Cayman S and sees a 10-horsepower boost for a total of 330.

The lighter weight comes from aluminum in the doors, carbon-fiber backed seats and the same lightweight 19-inch wheels you find on the Boxster Spyder.

Buyers can also choose to jettison the air-conditioning and stereo for extra weight loss. (Or just skip lunch).

Other changes include a ride height that’s been lowered by 20 millimeters, a standard limited-slip differential for maximum torque application and front and rear spoilers.

All told, the Cayman R will sprint from zero to hero in 4.7 seconds with the standard six-speed manual transmission and 4.4 seconds with the optional seven-speed dual-clutch PDK.

If the driving dynamics of the Boxster Spyder are any indication, this Cayman R figures to be the clearest modern distillation of Porsche’s sports car yet. Yes, even the green one you see here.